Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 24, 2024

If you are planning to fly out of an airport this travel season, you need to spend a little time thinking about how you will get there. Transportation to an airport can quickly get expensive, and perhaps you do not have a whole lot of extra cash at the moment, especially if you’ve spent a lot on tickets, hotel accommodations, etc. Finding a more reasonably priced option means you can save money that will likely come in handy at another point during your trip. Maybe you need to save cash for a Los Angeles van rental or for getting into museums and other attractions once you arrive at your destination. In these circumstances, keeping as much money in your pocket as possible when heading to the airport is often crucial. We will discuss seven modes of transportation that are worth your consideration in the following article. Most Cost-Effective Way to Reach the Airport Read this article till the end to know which is the most cost-effective ride to the airport. You Can Walk Is it possible to walk to an airport? Sometimes it is, but that would have to mean you would already have to be pretty close to it. The most practical time to walk to an airport is if you stayed at a hotel adjacent to it the previous night. Most other times, it is not possible or practical. Whenever you can manage it, though, you will presumably pay nothing. It really does not get much better than that if you are attempting to conserve your money. You will even get some exercise by walking, which is nice. If you can walk to the airport, make sure to watch out for traffic and only use roads with sidewalks. Using airport access roads or ones only intended for cars is dangerous. Saving money is great, but not if it comes at the possible price of being hit by a taxi or airport shuttle. You Can Consider Hiring an Uber or Lyft In the past decade, hiring an Uber or Lyft has become a piece of common knowledge in the urban scene. You can book a ride on these rental cars within seconds with the help of apps on your phone. If you are not a very tech-savvy person, you can still get the Lyft or Uber app, order a vehicle for yourself, and ride to the airport with someone else handling the driving duties. The real drawback with either Uber or Lyft is the expense. During surge hours pricing can become quite expensive in the case of these rental cars. At certain hours when the demand for these rental cars increases, Uber or Lyft increases their pricing as well. Hiring a rideshare vehicle off hours is almost always cheaper. You Can Hire a Taxi The option of hiring a taxi can be efficient and expensive. For example, if you book a cab from Midtown Manhattan to JFK it will easily cost you $50 or more. This cost varies based on the demand of the cab, city or state, and other circumstances affecting the booking prices. If you are in a smaller city with a less busy airport, getting a taxi may not break the bank. If you are considering this option but have a tight budget, it never hurts to go online and do a little research before you flag down the nearest taxi on the street. Take a Hotel Shuttle Hotel shuttles are usually free if you are staying at that hotel, so getting to the airport that way is certainly an attractive prospect. Hotel shuttles are usually clean and well-maintained. They are also generally air-conditioned, which is nice. You should have at least a couple of dollars to tip the driver if you go this route. $5 for a tip is usually the expected amount, but the driver will likely be happy if you give them anything, since not all travelers do. Get a Public Bus or Train Cities that have public buses and trains you can take to the airport are another one of the cheaper options in most instances. These choices can save money, but they often take much longer to get to the airport because they make many stops. If you decide to grab a train or bus, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time for this reason. Rent a Town Car You might also rent a town car if you have enough money. A town car offers a VIP feeling, meaning you get a ride to the airport in style. Then this experience comes at a high cost so you will try this only when you feel like treating yourself.  Again, if you can afford the cost of renting a town car then that is a great advantage. Your advantage is that you get to enjoy the ride alone without sharing it with anyone. It will also most likely be air-conditioned and comfortable. The only danger if you decide on this option is a chatty driver. If you do not mind making small talk, though, that might not be a significant source of concern for you.   Take an Airport Shuttle Many airports operate shuttles that will pick you up throughout the city. Generally, you can find the operating routes of these airport shuttles through the airport’s website and choose the shuttle accordingly.  On the other hand, a hotel shuttle is free, unlike an airport shuttle which can be expensive. Conclusion To recap, walking is usually your only free option. Taking public transportation can keep the price down while getting a hotel shuttle is generally free.  Other options can be expensive for you such as Lyft, Uber, or hiring a taxi or town car. Then again this expense comes with an advantage of not sharing the ride with anyone. If these options don’t work for you, then just ask a family member or a friend to drive to the airport if they are available. This is only an option in cities where you know someone, though. If someone you know is willing to give you a lift, you might be obliged to buy them breakfast or something along those lines as a way of saying thank you.   Know More: How To Stay Safe In New Orleans: A Traveler’s Guide Is San Francisco Safe? THIS Is What You Should Know! Is Savannah Safe? What You Need To Know Before Visiting!

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

Visiting Bangkok? Looking for things to do in Bangkok? Bangkok, one of the most visited cities in Southeast Asia, is a vibrant, dynamic metropolis. It offers much more than just mouthwatering street food (though there is plenty of it). Engulfed in a hazy mixture of motorbike exhaust, incense, and charcoal grills, this chaotic city is also home to luxury hotels. Michelin-starred restaurants, quaint cocktail bars, and an abundance of good times together creates magic. Of course we cannot forget to mention culture and history. Feeling overwhelmed? Its okay. Visit Chinatown for some of the best bars in the city and historic architecture after a day of touring temples. Alternatively, take a stroll through some of the city's most stylish parks. Plan this before dining on a multi-course meal inside a chophouse. It probably dates back a century or on an antique barge. This Bangkok mainstay doesn't have an incredibly convenient location, in contrast to many of its competitors. The picture-perfect sights require a boat transfer, and the majority of the best tables are more than a 30-minute taxi ride away. But that's the point for me and the hordes of other devoted admirers of this monochromatic masterwork by hotel guru Bill Bensley. Situated on a verdant riverbank property in the peaceful Dusit neighborhood, The Siam evokes memories of a bygone era in Bangkok. Though it opened ten years ago, it's easy to picture it as a luxurious playground for the city's former big guns, the mid-century movers and shakers whose heirlooms, which adorn the marble-floored hallways, include vintage Pan Am posters, tattered travel trunks, and chipped ceramics.  Things To Do In Bangkok  Bangkok is the dream destination for most people who want it all on a budget. If you want to know about the best things to do in Bangkok, take a peek. Here is a list of a few things you can look forward to when you are visiting.  Chatuchak  The official name, Chatuchak, is pronounced with a J sound. Locals refer to it as JJ Market. This market is the oldest of all markets. It's one of the biggest outdoor markets in the world, with 15,000 stalls. Everything is available for purchase, ranging from useful items like artwork, cooking supplies, apparel, accessories, and home décor. There are also trinkets and oddities like fake iPhone covers, Beats by Dre and Nike sneakers. The market is extremely well organized despite its enormous size, with items sorted by kind and a sizable map displayed close to the entrance.  Pak Khlong Talat  Pak Khlong Talat is the best place to witness Bangkok's vibrant nature—one of the world's most vivid cities. A dazzling kaleidoscope of colors and the sweet, all-encompassing scent of thousands upon thousands of fresh flowers can be found in this lively flower market. Look through booths brimming with roses, orchids, marigolds, and more. The flower market is open 24 hours a day, which is great if you are suffering from jet lag and need something to do late at night.  Le Normandie by Alain Roux  In addition to its thriving street food scene, Bangkok has about 30 restaurants with Michelin stars. Le Normandie by Alain Roux, a fine-dining establishment at the renowned Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, is one to be particularly aware of. This elegant dining room with its stunning view of the Chao Phraya River is the perfect setting for this white-glove experience. Make sure to reserve a window seat to enjoy the exquisite and creatively prepared French cuisine while taking in the sunset and the colorful boats on the river.  Thai Spa  It's no secret that Bangkok offers the best spa and wellness experiences – all you need to do is select your favorite atmosphere. Bangkok has a monopoly on the wellness market, whether it's a lavish spa palace or a simple shop tucked away down a tiny alley. Thai massages are different from other massage styles in that they don't use oils or aromatherapy. Instead, they concentrate on acupressure, passive stretching, and expanding your muscles' range of motion. Bangkok is a great place to try a Thai massage if you've never had one.  Wat Arun  Wat Arun is among the most well-known of the more than 37,000 temples, or wats, that can be found all over Thailand. The temple complex glows golden at night, and the 269-foot-tall prahng, a Khmer-style tower, protrudes from the banks of the Chao Phraya River. One of the rare temples in Thailand that you can climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding temple complex and river after making your way up the steep and narrow stairs.  Smiling Albino  You can be sure that the people behind Smiling Albino are knowledgeable because they have been in the business since 1999. They provide trips to neighboring villages, cultural excursions, and private experiences in Bangkok, all under the umbrella of custom luxury. They also plan week-long motorcycling tours in Vietnam, cycling tours in Nepal, and trekking excursions in northern Thailand. Every trip is tailored to your interests. There are no microphone-screamed explanations from coaches, just in-person drivers and guides.  Fine Dining  This six-course meal, which is served on a vintage wooden rice barge, serves as a great introduction to Thai cuisine and some of Bangkok's must-see riverside attractions. Make a reservation so you can decide what to see during the day while enjoying delicious dishes like a creamy coconut and turmeric soup with charcoal-cooked chicken. There is also a dry-ice performance on mango sticky rice, and a curry amuse bouche topped with gold leaves. The experience is ideal for a laid-back, romantic evening on the water, and the friendly service is on par with any fine-dining establishment on land.  Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre  Once you've visited the major tourist attractions, you might want to take a closer look at Bangkok by going somewhere a little less well-known. The Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre provides just that. This open area supports local and global exhibitions of art and culture. This is the best gallery in the city to check out if you're interested in seeing the work of young Thai artists. As an art fanatic this could easily be one of the coolest things to do in Bangkok.  Chao Phraya River  The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok's lifeblood, and the city's most prestigious luxury hotels, most historic neighborhoods, and most popular tourist destinations are located along its banks. The best way to introduce yourself to the famous Bangkok skyline and get a peek of everyday life in the area is to take a cruise down the Chao Phraya. There are numerous ways to access the river, ranging from daytime sightseeing trips to dinner cruises in the evening. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat, though, if you truly want to travel like a local. The public water taxi goes all the way up to the nearby province of Nonthaburi, making stops at busy docks along the river.  Ayutthaya  Train travel to Ayutthaya from Bangkok takes about one hour, making it an ideal day trip destination. This is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Ayutthaya offers visitors a window into Thailand's past as the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Gorgeous 14th-century palaces and temples can be found in the capital of the preserved kingdom. The temple ruins offer a unique glimpse into the past of this region of the world for those who choose to explore them.  Wrapping Up  There you have it, a summary of my experiences and the best things to do in Bangkok! Leave a comment below if you have any more advice or recommendations. You are in the best position to see everything else this amazing country has to offer from Bangkok. You could travel south to the notorious Thai islands, or you could head north to the more laid-back tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai. If you have thoughts to share or questions on things to do in Bangkok please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! 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